Electrode tape inspection device and electrode tape inspection method using the same

Abstract

The electrode tape inspection apparatus of the present invention is an electrode tape inspection apparatus for continuously inspecting the dimensions of electrodes and tape attached to electrodes during the electrode taping process, and for detecting foreign matter present on the electrodes and tape, and includes a shooting unit provided for photographing electrodes and tape attached to electrodes, a dimensional measuring light provided for illuminating the tape in order to measure the dimensions of the tape and electrodes, and a foreign matter detection light provided for illuminating the tape in order to detect foreign matter present on the tape and electrodes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode tape inspection apparatus and an electrode tape inspection method using the same, and more specifically, to an electrode tape inspection apparatus capable of quickly and accurately performing dimensional inspection and foreign matter inspection of an electrode and a tape, and an electrode tape inspection method using the same.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0006371 filed on January 15, 2024, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent application are included as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0003] In recent years, rechargeable secondary batteries have been widely used as an energy source for wireless mobile devices. In addition, secondary batteries have also attracted attention as an energy source for electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, etc., which are proposed as solutions to solve air pollution and the like of conventional gasoline vehicles and diesel vehicles that use fossil fuels. Therefore, the types of applications using secondary batteries are very diverse due to the advantages of secondary batteries, and it is expected that secondary batteries will be applied to more fields and products in the future than at present.

[0004] A secondary battery is a battery that can repeat charging and discharging, and includes lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, etc. Secondary batteries are used in various fields such as electric vehicles, smartphones, and notebook computers, and are recognized as the core of energy storage and conversion technologies.

[0005] The manufacturing process for secondary batteries can be broadly divided into three stages: electrode manufacturing, electrode assembly, and battery activation. The electrode manufacturing stage involves mixing the active materials for the positive and negative electrodes, conductive materials, and binders to produce a slurry, coating this slurry onto a metal current collector such as a copper or aluminum sheet, and drying it. The electrode assembly stage involves laminating and winding the manufactured electrodes and separation membrane to create the basic structure of the battery, injecting the electrolyte, and sealing it. The battery activation stage involves repeatedly charging and discharging the battery to activate its performance.

[0006] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the appearance of an electrode to which conventional insulating tape is attached.

[0007] Referring to Figure 1, such an electrode manufacturing process requires an insulating taping process. The insulating taping process involves attaching insulating tape (20) to at least a portion of the electrode (10) to prevent electrical short circuits from occurring even if external components or materials come into contact with the electrode (10) while it is being transported by the roller (65). In the insulating taping process, it is necessary to precisely control the position of the insulating tape (20) on the electrode (10), the width of the tape, the length of the tape, and the extent to which the electrode is covered (overlapped) by the tape.

[0008] For example, if the insulating tape (20) is not attached to the electrode (10) in the correct position, if the overlapping width is too narrow or too wide, or if the length of the attached tape is insufficient or excessive, or if the insulating tape of the appropriate size is not attached in the correct position, there is a risk that a short circuit with an external metal may occur, and / or that the electrodes may ignite due to a short circuit between the electrodes.

[0009] Therefore, in the insulating tape application process, an inspection device was needed to accurately measure the width of the tape, the position of the tape attached to the electrode, the width of the tape overlapping the electrode, etc., and to adjust the settings of the insulating tape application process.

[0010] Furthermore, because it was necessary to detect if floating foreign matter, metallic foreign matter, etc., were introduced into the insulating tape and electrodes during the insulating taping process and to classify defective electrodes, a separate foreign matter inspection device was used.

[0011] However, conventional electrode insulation taping inspection equipment for secondary battery processes has the following problems.

[0012] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the inspection of an electrode (10) to which conventional insulating tape (20) is attached.

[0013] First, as shown in Figure 2, a separate camera (30) was required to measure the dimensional elements of the tape (20) attached to the electrode (10), and another camera (40) was required to inspect for foreign matter present on the electrode (10) and the tape (20). This increased the number of inspection devices, increased the complexity of the inspection process, increased the cost of purchasing the inspection equipment and performing the inspections, and also increased the inspection time.

[0014] To address these problems, there is a need to develop inspection equipment and methods that can be applied to the manufacturing process of secondary batteries. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0015] The present invention aims to solve problems that occur in the conventional taping process for electrodes of secondary batteries.

[0016] Through one embodiment of the present invention, we aim to provide an electrode tape inspection apparatus and an electrode tape inspection method that can quickly and accurately perform dimensional inspection and foreign object inspection of electrodes and tapes by including a shooting unit, a dimensional measuring light, and a foreign object detection light. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there is an electrode tape inspection apparatus for the electrode taping process, for dimensional inspection of electrodes and tape attached to electrodes, and detection of foreign matter present on electrodes and tape, the apparatus comprising: an imaging unit provided for photographing electrodes and tape attached to electrodes; a dimensional measuring light provided for illuminating tape to measure the dimensions of the tape and electrodes; and a foreign matter detection light provided for illuminating tape to detect foreign matter present on tape and electrodes.

[0018] The electrode tape inspection device can continuously perform dimensional inspection and foreign object detection.

[0019] The imaging unit can be configured to photograph the electrode in transit and the tape attached to the electrode.

[0020] The shooting unit may be a bar-type camera.

[0021] The lighting for dimensional measurement can be configured to illuminate the tape and electrodes in such a way that specular reflection occurs.

[0022] Lighting for dimensional measurement may also be diffuse lighting, which illuminates after diffusing the light emitted from the light source.

[0023] Illumination for foreign object detection can be designed to illuminate foreign objects in a way that causes boundary reflection.

[0024] The illumination for detecting foreign objects may also be a focused light source that illuminates a single point by concentrating light from a light source.

[0025] The control unit may further include a control unit that divides the image received from the imaging unit into pixels, groups them into odd pixels and even pixels, and adjusts the brightness of each of the grouped odd pixel group and even pixel group so that they differ from each other.

[0026] The control unit can adjust the odd pixel groups of the image to be relatively darker than the even pixel groups, and generate an image for tape dimension inspection based on the odd pixels with adjusted brightness.

[0027] The control unit can be provided to adjust the even pixel groups of the image to be relatively brighter than the odd pixel groups, and generate an image for tape foreign object detection based on the even pixels with adjusted brightness.

[0028] To achieve the above object, according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electrode tape inspection method for performing tape dimension inspection and detection of foreign objects present on the tape using an electrode tape inspection apparatus.

[0029] The electrode tape inspection method can continuously perform dimension inspection and foreign object detection.

[0030] Specifically, the electrode tape inspection method includes an electrode supply step in which a supply unit supplies an electrode with a tape attached thereto to a measurement position, a dimension measurement illumination step in which dimension measurement illumination illuminates the tape to measure the dimensions of the tape and the electrode, a foreign object detection illumination step in which foreign object detection illumination illuminates the tape to detect foreign objects present on the tape and the electrode, and a photographing step in which a photographing unit photographs the electrode with the tape attached thereto.

[0031] The electrode tape inspection method can further include a grouping step in which the control unit divides the image received from the photographing unit into pixels and groups them into odd pixels and even pixels, and a brightness adjustment step in which the control unit adjusts the grouped odd pixel groups and even pixel groups to different brightness levels.

[0032] The control unit can adjust the odd-numbered pixel groups of the image to be relatively darker than the even-numbered pixel groups during the brightness adjustment step.

[0033] The electrode tape inspection method may further include a dimensional inspection image generation step that generates a tape dimensional inspection image based on odd-numbered pixel groups with adjusted brightness.

[0034] In the brightness adjustment step, the control unit can adjust the even-numbered pixel groups of the image to be relatively brighter than the odd-numbered pixel groups.

[0035] An electrode tape inspection method may include a foreign object detection image generation step that generates a tape foreign object detection image based on an even number of pixels with adjusted brightness. [Effects of the Invention]

[0036] As described above, the electrode tape inspection apparatus and electrode tape inspection method using the same, which are related to at least one embodiment of the present invention, have the following effects.

[0037] By including a photographic unit, a dimensional measuring light, and a foreign object detection light, it is possible to quickly and accurately perform dimensional inspection and foreign object inspection of electrodes and tapes.

[0038] Furthermore, the electrode tape inspection device of the present invention can perform both dimensional inspection and foreign object inspection of electrodes and tapes using video data captured by a single imaging unit, thereby effectively reducing the cost of the inspection device and image processing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the appearance of an electrode to which conventional insulating tape is attached. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the inspection process for electrodes to which conventional insulating tape is attached. [Figure 3] This is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of an electrode tape inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the inspection of electrodes with insulating tape attached using an electrode tape inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic magnified view of area A of the electrode tape inspection device shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] This is a schematic perspective view showing some of the components of an electrode tape inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This diagram conceptually illustrates the image processing process of an electrode tape inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a photograph showing an image generated for dimensional inspection by an electrode tape inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a photograph showing an image generated for foreign object inspection by an electrode tape inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing the steps of an electrode tape inspection method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] An electrode tape inspection apparatus and an electrode tape inspection method according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0041] Furthermore, regardless of the reference numerals used in the drawings, identical or corresponding components will be assigned the same or similar reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. For the sake of clarity, the size and shape of each component shown may be exaggerated or reduced.

[0042] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of an electrode tape inspection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing how an electrode (10) with insulating tape (20) attached is inspected using the electrode tape inspection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a schematic enlarged view of area A of the electrode tape inspection device in Figure 4.

[0043] Referring again to Figures 3 and 5 in conjunction with Figure 1, an electrode tape inspection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention performs dimensional inspection of the electrode (10) and the tape (20) attached to the electrode (10) supplied by a supply unit (180) during the electrode taping process, and detects foreign matter present on the electrode (10) and the tape (20). An imaging unit (110) may be provided to photograph the electrode (10) and the tape (20) attached to the electrode (10) as they are being continuously transported by the supply unit (180). The electrode tape inspection device (100) may include a supply unit (180) provided to transport the electrode (10) to the imaging position. Such a supply unit (180) may include a plurality of transport rolls (185).

[0044] Specifically, the electrode tape inspection apparatus (100) of the present invention includes an imaging unit (110). The imaging unit (110) is provided to photograph the tape (20) attached to the electrode (10). The imaging unit (110) may include a CIS (CMOS Image Sensor) sensor. Here, a CIS sensor is a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, which is a system semiconductor that converts light entering a camera lens into a digital signal. Such a CIS sensor offers advantages such as low power consumption, high speed, high-quality image, and cost-effectiveness.

[0045] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view showing some of the components of an electrode tape inspection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Referring again to Figure 6 in conjunction with Figure 4, the imaging unit (110) may be a bar-type camera. Such a bar-type camera can be positioned in the width direction of the electrode (10) and then continuously image a portion of the electrode (10) in the width direction. Such a bar-type camera can continuously generate high-speed, precise images and is suitable for inspecting an electrode (10) that is moving continuously.

[0047] Referring again to Figures 3 to 5, the electrode tape inspection device (100) of the present invention includes a dimensional measuring light (120). The dimensional measuring light (120) can be provided to illuminate the tape (20) in order to measure the dimensions of the tape (20) and the electrode (10). The dimensional measuring light (120) can be positioned adjacent to the imaging unit (110). The dimensional measuring light (120) can also be provided to illuminate the tape (20) and the electrode (10) in such a way that specular reflection occurs. For example, the dimensional measuring light (120) can be provided to illuminate the tape (20) and the electrode (10) at an angle that effectively causes specular reflection. For example, the dimensional measuring light (120) can be provided to illuminate the surfaces of the electrode (10) and the tape (20) at an angle of 40 to 70 degrees. The dimensional measuring light (120) may also be a bar-type light that is extended long in one direction.

[0048] Furthermore, the dimensional measuring illumination (120) may be diffuse illumination that diffuses the light emitted from the light source before illuminating. Such diffuse illumination can reduce flashes on the tape (20) and electrodes (10) that disperse and reflect light. Diffuse illumination can diffuse light more uniformly across the entire object being measured. Dispersing light in this manner allows for better specular reflection from the surface of the object. As an example, the dimensional measuring illumination (120) may include a light source and a diffuser plate for diffusing the light emitted from the light source.

[0049] Furthermore, the electrode tape inspection device (100) of the present invention includes a foreign object detection light (130). The foreign object detection light (130) can be installed to illuminate the tape (20) in order to detect foreign objects present on the tape (20) and the electrode (10). The foreign object detection light (130) can be positioned adjacent to the imaging unit (110). The foreign object detection light (130) can also be installed to illuminate the tape (20) and the electrode (10) in such a way that boundary reflection occurs. Boundary reflection is a phenomenon in which light is reflected off the surface of an object, and occurs when the angle of light and the angle of the surface of the object are similar. For example, the foreign object detection light (130) can be installed to illuminate the tape (20) and the electrode (10) at an angle that effectively causes boundary reflection. For example, the foreign object detection light (130) can be installed to illuminate the surfaces of the electrode (10) and the tape (20) at an angle of more than 0 degrees to 20 degrees.

[0050] Furthermore, the foreign object detection illumination (130) may be a focused illumination that illuminates a point by concentrating light from a light source. Focused illumination can concentrate light to illuminate an object intensely and induce boundary reflection from the surface of the object. When detecting foreign objects in this manner, using boundary reflection allows for more accurate detection of the object's boundaries. The foreign object detection illumination (130) may also be a bar-type illumination that extends long in one direction. As an example, the foreign object detection illumination (130) may include a light source and a focusing lens that allows light emitted from the light source to pass through.

[0051] Therefore, the electrode tape inspection device (100) of the present invention, by including a shooting unit (110), a dimensional measuring light (120), and a foreign object detection light (130), can quickly and accurately perform dimensional inspection and foreign object inspection of the electrode (10) and tape (20). Furthermore, since the electrode tape inspection device (100) of the present invention can perform both dimensional inspection and foreign object inspection of the electrode (10) and tape (20) using video data captured by a single shooting unit (110), the cost of the inspection device (100) and the cost of image processing can be effectively reduced.

[0052] Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the image processing process of an electrode tape inspection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Referring to Figures 3 to 5 and Figure 7, the present invention may further include a control unit (140). The control unit (140) may be configured to divide the original image (150) received from the imaging unit (110) into pixels and group them into odd pixels (151) and even pixels (152). Here, even pixels (152) refer to pixels in the original image (150) whose Y coordinate is even, and odd pixels (151) refer to pixels in the original image (150) whose Y coordinate is odd. The control unit (140) may be configured to adjust the brightness of each group of odd pixels (151) and even pixels (152) so that they differ from each other.

[0054] Figure 8 is a photograph showing an image generated for dimensional inspection by an electrode tape inspection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Referring again to Figure 8 in conjunction with Figures 3 to 7, the control unit (140) can adjust the odd-numbered pixel group (151) of the image to be relatively darker than the even-numbered pixel group (152). Based on the odd-numbered pixels (151) whose brightness has been adjusted in this way, the control unit (140) can generate a dimension inspection image (160) of the tape (20). The control unit (140) can also analyze the generated dimension inspection image (160) to measure, for example, the width of the tape (20) and the position of the tape (20) on the electrode (10).

[0056] Figure 9 is a photograph showing an image generated for foreign object inspection by an electrode tape inspection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Referring again to Figures 3 to 7 and Figure 9, the control unit (140) can adjust the brightness of the even-numbered pixel (152) group of the image to be relatively brighter than the odd-numbered pixel (151) group. The control unit (140) can be configured to generate a foreign object detection image (170) of the tape (20) based on the brightness-adjusted even-numbered pixel (152). The control unit (140) can also analyze the thus generated foreign object detection image (170) to detect, for example, floating foreign objects, metallic foreign objects, etc., attached to the tape (20) and electrodes (10).

[0058] On the other hand, referring again to Figure 3, the control unit (140) can control the operation of the imaging unit (110), the dimensional measuring light (120), and the foreign object detection light (130). For example, the control unit (140) can control the on / off operation of the dimensional measuring light (120) and the foreign object detection light (130), as well as adjust the brightness of each light. For example, the control unit (140) can adjust the imaging speed of the imaging unit (110).

[0059] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the steps of an electrode tape inspection method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Referring again to Figure 10 along with Figures 3 to 6, the present application provides an electrode tape inspection method according to one embodiment of the present invention. The electrode tape inspection method of the present invention is a method for continuously performing dimensional inspection of a tape (20) and detecting foreign matter present on the tape (20) using an electrode tape inspection device (100).

[0061] The electrode tape inspection method also includes an electrode supply step (M01). The electrode supply step (M01) is a step in which a supply unit (180) supplies an electrode (10) to which tape (20) is attached to a measurement position. At this time, the electrode (10) can be transported by the pressure of multiple transfer rolls of the supply unit (180). Here, the measurement position may be a position illuminated by a dimensional measuring light (120) and a foreign object detection light. Alternatively, the measurement position may be a position being photographed by a photographing unit (110).

[0062] Furthermore, the electrode tape inspection method includes a dimensional measurement illumination step (M02). The dimensional measurement illumination step (M02) is a step in which a dimensional measurement light (120) illuminates the tape (20) in order to measure the dimensions of the tape (20) and the electrode (10). At this time, the dimensional measurement light (120) can be used as a focused light source to induce boundary reflection between the tape (20) and the electrode (10).

[0063] Furthermore, the electrode tape inspection method includes a foreign object detection illumination step (M03). The foreign object detection illumination step (M03) is a step in which a foreign object detection light (130) illuminates the tape (20) in order to detect foreign objects present on the tape (20) and the electrode (10). At this time, the foreign object detection light (130) can be used as diffuse illumination to induce specular reflection on the tape (20) and the electrode (10).

[0064] Furthermore, the electrode tape inspection method includes an imaging step (M04). The imaging step (M04) is a step in which an imaging unit (110) takes an image of the electrode (10) to which the tape (20) is attached.

[0065] The electrode tape inspection method further includes a grouping step (M05) in which the control unit (140) divides the image received from the imaging unit (110) into pixels and groups them into odd pixels (151) and even pixels (152).

[0066] The electrode tape inspection method may further include a brightness adjustment step (M06). The brightness adjustment step (M06) is a step in which the control unit (140) adjusts the grouped odd-numbered pixel groups (151) and even-numbered pixel groups (152) to different brightness levels from each other.

[0067] Furthermore, the control unit (140) can adjust the odd-numbered pixel group (151) of the image to be relatively darker than the even-numbered pixel group (152) during the brightness adjustment step (M06).

[0068] The electrode tape inspection method may further include a dimensional inspection image generation step (M07). The dimensional inspection image generation step (M07) may be a step of generating a dimensional inspection image (160) of the tape (20) based on a group of odd-numbered pixels (151) with adjusted brightness.

[0069] Furthermore, the electrode tape inspection method may include a dimensional inspection image measurement step (M09) in which the control unit (140) analyzes the generated dimensional inspection image (160) and measures the width of the tape (20) and the position of the tape (20) on the electrode (10).

[0070] Furthermore, the control unit (140) can adjust the brightness adjustment step (M06) to make the group of even-numbered pixels (152) in the image brighter relative to the group of odd-numbered pixels (151).

[0071] Furthermore, the electrode tape inspection method may further include a foreign object detection image (170) generation step (M08). The foreign object detection image (170) generation step (M08) may be a step of generating a foreign object detection image (170) of the tape (20) based on even-numbered pixels (152) whose brightness has been adjusted.

[0072] Furthermore, the electrode tape inspection method may include a foreign object detection image analysis step (M10) in which the control unit (140) analyzes the generated foreign object detection image (170) and detects floating foreign objects, metallic foreign objects, etc., attached to the tape (20) and electrode (10).

[0073] Therefore, the electrode tape inspection method of the present invention, through these configuration steps, can quickly and accurately perform dimensional inspection and foreign matter inspection of the electrode (10) and tape (20), and since both dimensional inspection and foreign matter inspection of the electrode (10) and tape (20) can be performed using video data captured by a single imaging unit (110), the cost of the inspection device (100) and the cost of image processing can be effectively reduced.

[0074] The preferred embodiments of the present invention described above are disclosed for illustrative purposes only, and a person skilled in the art with ordinary skill in the invention will know that various modifications, alterations, and additions are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications, alterations, and additions should be considered to fall within the scope of the following claims. [Industrial applicability]

[0075] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention and the electrode tape inspection apparatus and electrode tape inspection method using the same, dimensional inspection and foreign matter inspection of electrodes and tapes can be performed quickly and accurately.

Claims

1. An electrode tape inspection device for the electrode taping process, for dimensional inspection of the electrode and the tape attached to the electrode, and for detecting foreign matter present on the electrode and the tape, A photographing unit provided for photographing the electrode and the tape attached to the electrode, In order to measure the dimensions of the tape and the electrodes, a dimension measuring light is provided to illuminate the tape, An electrode tape inspection apparatus, characterized by including a foreign matter detection light provided to illuminate the tape in order to detect foreign matter present on the tape and the electrode.

2. The electrode tape inspection apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the dimensional measuring illumination illuminates the tape and the electrode in such a way that specular reflection occurs.

3. The electrode tape inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the dimensional measurement illumination is diffuse illumination that diffuses light emitted from the light source before illumination.

4. The electrode tape inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the illumination for detecting foreign matter illuminates the foreign matter in such a way that boundary reflection occurs.

5. The electrode tape inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the illumination for detecting foreign objects is a focused illumination that illuminates light collected from a light source to a single point.

6. The aforementioned imaging unit is provided to photograph the electrode being transported and the tape attached to the electrode, The electrode tape inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the imaging unit is a bar-type camera.

7. The electrode tape inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a control unit which divides the image received from the imaging unit into pixels, groups them into odd pixels and even pixels, and adjusts each of the grouped odd pixel group and even pixel group so that their brightness differs from that of the others.

8. The electrode tape inspection apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the control unit adjusts the odd-numbered pixel groups of the image to be relatively darker than the even-numbered pixel groups, and generates an image for tape dimension inspection based on the odd-numbered pixels whose brightness has been adjusted.

9. The electrode tape inspection apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the control unit is provided to adjust the even-numbered pixel groups of the image to be brighter relative to the odd-numbered pixel groups, and to generate an image for detecting foreign objects on the tape based on the even-numbered pixels whose brightness has been adjusted.

10. An electrode tape inspection method, comprising using the electrode tape inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, for performing dimensional inspection of the tape and detection of foreign matter present on the tape, The supply unit supplies the electrode to the measurement position in an electrode supply step, The dimension measuring illumination step involves the dimensional measuring illumination illuminating the tape in order to measure the dimensions of the tape and the electrodes, The foreign object detection illumination step includes illuminating the tape with the foreign object detection illumination in order to detect foreign objects present on the tape and the electrodes, An electrode tape inspection method characterized by comprising a shooting step of the shooting unit shooting the electrode to which the tape is attached.

11. The control unit performs a grouping step in which it divides the image received from the imaging unit into pixels and groups them into odd pixels and even pixels. The electrode tape inspection method according to claim 10, further comprising a brightness adjustment step in which the control unit adjusts each of the grouped odd-numbered pixel groups and even-numbered pixel groups to a different brightness from each other.

12. The electrode tape inspection method according to claim 11, characterized in that the control unit adjusts the odd-numbered pixel groups of the image to be relatively darker than the even-numbered pixel groups in the brightness adjustment step.

13. The electrode tape inspection method according to claim 12, further comprising a dimensional inspection image generation step of generating an image for tape dimension inspection based on odd-numbered pixel groups with adjusted brightness.

14. The electrode tape inspection method according to claim 11, characterized in that the control unit adjusts the even-numbered pixel groups of the image to be brighter relative to the odd-numbered pixel groups in the brightness adjustment step.

15. The electrode tape inspection method according to claim 14, characterized by including a foreign object detection image generation step of generating an image for detecting foreign objects on the tape based on an even number of pixels whose brightness has been adjusted.

Images